This paper describes a brief review of biodiesel R & D developmental trends at Tarbiat Modares University (TMU) bio- energy research laboratories (lab.), Tehran, Iran. The developmental trends at includes potential and feasibility study, cultivation of a sample bioenrgy farm, technology innovation and its scale up (patents) for fuel processing, and finally the fuel application in diesel engines. A national investigation was carried out to find out the possible potential of sustainable feedstock for biodiesel production. The results showed that easily available biodiesel feedstock is waste cooking oil with a maximum potential of 750 mil.lit and an approximately 350 mil.lit. of collectable waste cooking oil. A castor oil plant farm was cultivated to harvest castor plant seeds, extract its oil, produce biodiesel fuel and use it in diesel engines. This led to a series of patent and consequently technology innovation from 7 lit. lab. scale to semi-continuous, semi-industrial scale of 2 ton capacity.
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R. Yahyaie, “Design, Development and Evaluation of Oil Fish Waste Extraction Laboratory Apparatus for Biodiesel Production,” M.Sc. Dissertation, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, 2011.
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B. Ghobadian and M. Khatamifar, “Biodiesel Fuel Production using Transesterification of Waste Vegetable Oils,” Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Internal Combustion Engines, Tehran, 16-18 November 2005, p. 191.
B. Ghobadian and M. Khatamifar, “Producing Biodiesel from Waste Edible Oils,” Proceedings of the 2nd National Conference on Agricultural Products Losses, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 24 August 2005.
B. Najafi, V. Piroozpanah and B. Ghobadian, “Effects of Biodiesel to Reduce Diesel Engine Pollution,” The 1st Combustion Conference of Iran, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, 26-27 February 2005.
A. Mohammadi, M. R. Omidkhah and B. Ghobadian, “Conceptual Design Process for Continuous Production of Biodiesel with High Percentage of Free Fatty Acids Feedstock,” The 11th National Congress of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, 7-9 November 2006.
G. Najafi, B. Ghobadian and H. Rahimi, “Comparing the Diesel Engine Pollutins Using Waste Oil Biodiesel and Diesel Fuel,” The 3rd Student Conference on Agricultural Machinery Engineering and Mechanization, Shiraz, 2930 April 2007, p. 77.
A. M. Nikbakht, B. Ghobadian and M. Khatamifar, “A Comprehensive Review of Biodiesel Fuel in Iran,” The 3rd Student Conference on Agricultural Machinery Engineering and Mechanization, Shiraz, 29-30 April 2007, p. 62.
B. Ghobadian, A. M. Nikbakht and M. Khatamifar, “The Capacity of Using Biodiesel as a Clean Fuel for Sustainable Development Environment,” Tehran University, Tehran, 21 March 2007.
A. Zenouzi and A. Ghobadian, “Comparing the Produced Biodiesel as Renewable Energy from Four Edible Oils,” The 6th National Congress of Energy, Tehran, 22-23 June 2007.
A. Mohammadi, M. R. Omidkhah and B. hobadian, “Design and Optimization of Biodiesel Production Process of Food Waste Industry,” The 6th National Congress of Energy, Tehran, 22-23 June 2007.
B. Najafi, V. Piroozpanah and B. Ghobadian, “Experimental Investigation of Performance and Emission Parameters of a Dual Fuel Diesel Engine Using Alternative CNG and Biodiesel Fuels,” The 5th Internal Combustion Engines Conference, Tehran, 29 August-1 September 2007, p. 13.
B. Ghobadian and H. Bagherpour, “Comparison of Alkaline and Acidic Methods and Glysryn Extraction from Waste Oil in Biodiesel Fuel Production Process,” The 3rd National Conference on Agricultural Products Losses, Theran, 30 August, p. 559.
B. Ghobadian and M. F. Nejad, “Evaluation of Biodiesel Production Washing Methods from Waste Vegetable Oil,” The 3rd National Conference on Agricultural Products Losses, Tehran, 30 August 2007, p. 125.
A. Zenouzi, B. Ghobadian, T. T. Hashjin, M. F. Nejad and H. Bagherpour, “Combustion of Biodiesel from Waste Oil in a 6 Cylinder Perkins Engine,” The 2nd Conference of Combustion, Islamic Azad University of Mashhad, Mashhad, 23-24 February 2007, p. 30.
H. Bagherpour, B. Ghobadian, T. Tavakkoli, T., A. Mohammadi, M. F. Nejad and A. Zenouzi, “Biodiesel Fuel from Waste Oil Using Transesterification,” The 5th National Congress of Agricultural Engineering and Mechanization, Mashhad, 6-7 August 2008.
M. R. S. Neicharan, B. Ghobadian, T. T. Hashjin and G. Najafi, “Experimental Investigation of Performance Parameters in a Diesel Engine Using Biodiesel Fuel,” The 3rd Combustion Conference of Iran, Amir Kabir University, Tehran, 2-3 February 2010, p. 93.
M. S. Ardebili, B. Ghobadian and T. T. Hashjin, Determination of the Castor Oil Apparent Elastic Coefficient to be Used for Optimum Processing,” 1st Scientific Conference on the Developmentt of the Medicne Plants, Tehran, March 2009.
M. S. Ardebili, B. Ghobadian, M. Azadbakht and A. Nasiri, “Energy Balance of Canola in Golestan Provine for Biodiesel Fuel Production,” The 3rd Combustion Conference of Iran, Amir Kabir University, Tehran, 2-3 February 2010, p. 153.
B. Ghobadian, H. Rahimi and M. Khatamifar, “Evaluation of Engine Performance Using Net Diesel Fuel and Biofuel Blends,” The 1st Combustion Conference of Iran (CCI1), Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 15-16 February 2006, p. 71.
B. Ghobadian, G. Najafi, H. Rahimi and M. Khatamifar, “Comprehensive Evaluation of Engine Performance with Diesel and Biodiesel Fuel Blends,” The 3rd International Bioenergy Conference and Exhibition, Finland, 3-6 September 2007.
T. Yusaf, G. Najafi, B. Ghobadian, B. Najafi and V. Pirouzpanah, “Experimental Investigation of Performance and Emission Parameters of Small Diesel Engine Using CNG and Biodiesel,” The 13th Small Engine Technology Conference, Toki Messe, Niigata Convention Center, Niigata, 30 October-1 November 2007.
B. Ghobadian, H. Rahimi and M. Khatamifar, “Experimental Evaluation of Engine Performance Using Typical Diesterol,” The International Congress on Biodiesel: The Science and the Technology, Vienna, 5-8 November 2007.
B. Ghobadian, M. Khatamifar and H. Rahimi, “Design, Fabrication and Evaluation of a Patent Biodiesel Processor,” The International Congress on Biodiesel: The Science and the Technology, Vienna, 5-8 November2007.
A. Zenouzi and B. Ghobadian, “Design and Fabrication of a Multifunction Biodiesel Processor,” The International Congress on Biodiesel: The Science and the Technology, Vienna, 5-8 November 2007.
A. Mohammadi, M. R. Omidkhah and B. Ghobadian, “Optimization of Biodiesel Production from High Free Fatty Acid Feedstocks (Part I: Continuous Process),” The International Congress on Biodiesel: The Science and the Technology, Vienna, 5-8 November 2007.
A. Mohammadi, M. R. Omidkhah and B. Ghobadian, “Optimization of Biodiesel Production from High Free Fatty Acid Feedstocks (Part II: Batch/Semi-Continuous Process),” The International Congress on Biodiesel: The Science and the Technology, Vienna, 5-8 November 2007.
A. Zenouzi and B. Ghobadian, “Design and Development of a Biodiesel Processor for Providing FFV’s Refrence Fuel,” The 5th Conference on Internal Combustion Engines, Tehran, November 20-22 2007, 2 p.
A. Zenouzi, M. Safiadin., B. Ghobadian and T. Tavakoli Hashjin, “Optimization of Biodiesel and Diesel Blend Ratio for MF-399 Tractor Engine Using Genetic Algorithms,” The 2nd International Congress on Biodiesel: The Science and the Technologies, Munch, 15-17 November 2009.
A. Zenouzi, A. Mohammadi, B. Ghobadian and S. Minaee, “Flexible Batch Pilot Plant for Glycerol Purification in the Biodiesel Production Process l,” The 2nd International Congress on Biodiesel: The Science and the Technologies, Munch, 15-17 November 2009.
B. Ghobadian, “A Comprehensive Review of the Biodiesel Production and Purification Technologies in Iran,” The 2nd International Congress on Biodiesel: The Science and the Technologies, Munch, 15-17 November 2009.
M. R. S. Neicharan, B. Ghobadian and T. T. Hashjin, “Effects of Biodiesel—Diesel Blended Fuels on Diesel Engine Ignition Delay,” The 6th International Conference on Internal Combustion Engines, Olympic Hotel, Tehran, 17-19 November 2009, p. 67.
B. Ghobadian, “Biodiesel Production Feasibility Study in Iran: A Project Report,” Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Iranian Fuel Conservation Organization (IFCO), Tehran, 2010.
B. Ghobadian, “Liquid Biofuels Potential and Outlook in Iran,” The 13th Oil and Gas Conference on Energy Management, Policies and Experiences, Olympic Hotel, Tehran, 30 November-1 December 2008.
B. Ghobadian, “Enhancing Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil with Ultrasonics,” The 10th International on Sustainable Energy Technologies, Kumburgaz, Istanbul, 4-7 September 2011, Article ID: 367.
B. Ghobadian, “Potential of Biodiesel Production from WVO and SVO in Iran,” The 10th International on Sustainable Energy Technologies, Kumburgaz, Istanbul, 4-7 September 2011, Article ID: 279.
G. Najafi, B. Ghobadian and T. Yusaf, “Biofuel from Microalgae: Alternative, Sustainable and Renewable Fuel,” The 10th International on Sustainable Energy Technologies, Kumburgaz, Istanbul, 4-7 September 2011, Article ID: 168.
A. A. Mayvan, B. Ghobadian and G. Najafi, “Current Biodiesel Production Technologies: A Comparative Review,” The 10th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies, Kumburgaz, Istanbul, 4-7 September 2011, Article ID: 333.
A. A, Mayvan, B. Ghobadian, G. Najafi and M. R. Omidkhah, “Analytical and FEM Design of Mixing System in STR Biodiesel Production,” The 10th International on Sustainable Energy Technologies, Kumburgaz, Istanbul, 4-7 September 2011, Article ID: 319.
A. A. Mayvan, B. Ghobadian, G. Najafi, M. R. Omidkhah, “Design, Fabrication and Evaluation of a Novel Biodiesel Processor System,” The 10th International on Sustainable Energy Technologies, Kumburgaz, Istanbul, 4-7 September 2011, Article ID: 320.
A. Abbaszadeh, B. Ghobadian and G. Najafi, “High Voltage/Low Amperage Current for Separation of Crude Glycerin from Biodiesel,” The 10th International on Sustainable Energy Technologies, Kumburgaz, Istanbul, 4-7 September 2011, Article ID: 351.
S. Rostami, L. Savadkouhi, B. Ghobadian and M. Kiani, “Effect of Injection Pressure on Brake Thermal Efficiency and BSFC in a DI Diesel Engine Using Biodiesel,” The 10th International on Sustainable Energy Technologies, Kumburgaz, Istanbul, 4-7 September 2011, Article ID: 323.
P. Nematizade, B. Ghobadian and G. Najafi, “G-Series: as an Environmental Friendly Hybrid Fossil-Bio Transportation Fuel,” The 10th International on Sustainable Energy Technologies, Kumburgaz, Istanbul, 4-7 September 2011, Article ID: 202.
P. Nematizade, B. Ghobadian, G. Najafi and M. S. Ardebili, “Optimization of a Few Fossil Fuels and Liquid Biofuel Blend Properties Using Genetic Algorithm,” The 10th International on Sustainable Energy Technologies, Kumburgaz, Istanbul, 4-7 September 2011, Article ID: 373.
M. S. Ardebili, B. Ghobadian, G. Najafi and A. Chegeni, “Biodiesel Production Potential from Edible Oil Seeds in Iran,” The 10th International on Sustainable Energy Technologies, Kumburgaz, Istanbul, 4-7 September 2011, Article ID: 181.
M. Ghafoori, M. Layeghi, B. Ghobadian, G. Najafi and A. Rashidi, “Effects of Nano-Particles on the Combustion Performance of a Diesel Engine Using Biodiesel-Diesel Blended Fuel,” The 10th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies, Kumbergaz, Istanbul, 4-7 September 2011, Article ID: 396.
B. Ghobadian and M. Khatamifar, “Biodiesel Full Production Using Transesterification of Waste Vegetable Oils,” The Journal of Engine Research, Vol. 8-9, 2006, pp. 24-35.
G. Najafi, B. Ghobadian, A. M. Nikbakht and H. Rahimi, “Compression Ignition Engine Performance Analysis Using a Mixture of Diesel Fuel—Biodiesel with Artificial neural Networks Method,” Journal of the Engine Research, Vol. 10-11, 2006, pp. 6-15.
B. Najafi, V. P. Panah and B. Ghobadian, “Experimental Study of Performance and emission Parameters of Diesel Engine Using Alternative Biodiesel Fuel,” Modares Journal of Engineering, No. 28, 2007, pp 79-91.
B. Najafi, V. Pirouzpanah, B. Ghobadian, G. Najafi and T. Yusaf, “Experimental Investigation Of Performance and Emission Parameters of a Small Diesel Engine Using CNG and Biodiesel. SAE and JSAE Transactions,” SAE Paper, 2007, Article ID: 2007-32-0075.
B. Ghobadian, T. T.Hashjin and H. Rahimi, “Production of Bio Ethanol and Sunflower Methyl Ester and Investigation of Fuel Blend Properties,” Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, Vol. 10, No. 3, 2008, pp. 225232.
A. Zonouzi, B. Ghobadian, T. T. Hashjin, M. F. Nejad and H. Bagherpour, “The Effect of Diesel and Biodiesel Fuel Blends from Waste Cooking Oils on CI Engine Performance,” Journal of Fuel and Combustion Research, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2008, pp. 53-59.
M. F. Nejad, B. Ghobadian, T. T. Hashjin, B. Bagherpour and A. Zonouzi, “Study Effective Leaching Parameters Biodiesel Fuel,” Journal of Biosystem Engineering, Vol. 40, No. 2, 2009, pp. 147-154.
H. Rahimi, B. Ghobadian, T. Yusaf, G. Najafi and M. Khatamifar, “Diesterol: An Environment Friendly IC Engine Fuel,” Journal of Renewable Energy, Vol. 34, No. 1, 2009, pp 335-342. doi:10.1016/j.renene.2008.04.031
B. Ghobadian, H. Rahimi, A .M. Nikbakht, G. Najafi and T. Yusaf, “Diesel Engine Performance and Exhaust Emission Analysis Using Waste Cooking Biodiesel Fuel with an Artificial Neural Network,” Journal of Renewable Energy, Vol. 34, No. 4, 2009, pp. 976-982. doi:10.1016/j.renene.2008.08.008
M. R. S. Neicharan, B. Ghobadian, T. T. Hashjin and R. K. Saraie, “An Experimental Investigation of a Diesel Engine Ignition Delay Using Biodiesel and Diesel Fuels,” Journal of Fuel and Combustion, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2009, pp. 55-68.
M. R. S. Neicharan, B. Ghobadian, T. T. Hashjin and G. Najafi, “Experimental Investigation of the Performance Parameters of a Diesel Engine Using Biodiesel Fuel,” Journal of the Engine Research, Vol. 16, 2009, pp. 29-35.
H. Bagherpour, B. Ghobadian, T. T. Hashjin, A. Mohammadi, M. F. Nejad and A. Zonouzi, “Optimization of Effective Parameters in Production of Biodiesel Fuel Using Transesterification,” Journal of Biosystem Engineering Journal, Vol. 40, No. 1, 2010, pp. 37-43.
A. Zonouzi, B. Ghobadian and T. T. Hashjin, “The Effect of Waste Oil Methyl Ester on Tractor Engine Performance,” Modares Journal of Engineering, Vol. 2, 2010, pp 89-99.
M. S. Ardebili, B. Ghobadian, G. Najafi and A. Chegeni, “Biodiesel Production Potential from Edible Oil Seeds in Iran,” Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol. 15, No. 6, 2011, pp. 3041-3044. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2011.03.004
G. Najafia, B. Ghobadiana and T. Yusaf, “Algae as a Sustainable Energy Source for Biofuel Production in Iran: A case study,” Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol. 15, No. 8, 2011, pp. 3870-3876.
M. S. Ardebili, B. Ghobadian, T. T. Hashjin and G. Najafi, “Determining Mechanical Properties of Castor Seed (Ricinus communis L.) to Design and Fabricate of Oil Extraction Machine,” Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology (JAST), under press, 2011.
M. Khatamifar and B. Ghobadian, “Biodiesel Processor, BDI-80,” Iranian Patent No. 36781, 2006.
M. Khatamifar and H. Rahimi, “Biodiesel Processor for Rural Areas,” Iranian Patent No. 38714, 2006.
A. Zenouzi, B. Ghobadian and M. Khatamifar, “Full Automatic Research Apparatus and Multi-Function,” Iranian Patent No. 39373, 2006.
H. Rahimi, B. Ghobadian and M. Khatamifar, “Diesterol Fuel,” Iranian Patent No. 39407, 2006.
M. Feizollahnejad, H. Bagherpour, B. Ghobadian and A. Zenouzi, “Semi-Continuous Process of Biodiesel Fuel Processor,” Iranian Patent No. 50380, 2008.
A. Zenouzi, B. Ghobadian, A. Mohammadi and S. Minaee, “Glycerin Purification Apparatus from Waste Vegetable Oil,” Iranian Patent No. 56463, 2008.
A. A. Maivan, A. Zenouzi, M. Feizollahnejad and B. Ghobadian, “Batch Types Two Tons Biodiesel Processor,” Iranian Patent No. 63670, 2009.
A. Abbaszadeh Myvan and B. Ghobadian, “The Dual Purpose Biodiesel Production and Purification,” Iranian Patent No. 63672, 2009.
M. S. Ardebili and B. Ghobadian, “Laboratory Oil Exteruder Machine with Variable Speed and Temperature,” Iranian Patent No. 6363476, 2009.
A. Zenouzi, B. Ghobadian and M. A. Hejazi, “Micro Algae Separation by Electric Current,” Iranian Patent No. 68595, 2010.
A. Zenouzi, B. Ghobadian and M. A. Hejazi, “Micro Algae Hybrid Harvesting Machine,” Iranian Patent No. 68598, 2010.
M. Ghafori and B. Ghobadian, “Bio-Nano-Carbon Fuel for Diesel Engines,” Iranian Patent No. 67896, 2010.
M. Ghafori and B. Ghobadian, “Bio-Nano-Silver Fuel for Diesel Engines,” Iranian Patent No. 67897, 2010.
R. Yahyaee and B. Ghobadian, “The Oil Extracting Machine from Waste Fish for Biodiesel Production,” Iranian Patent No. 70290, 2011.
B. Ghobadian, “Biodiel Production and Application Technology,” Tarbiat Modares Press, Tehran, 2012.